Former NFL players help build homes in NAHB program

Former NFL players volunteering on the St. Ann’s Infant & Maternity Home community service project in Hyattsville, Md., include L-R: John “Boomer” Stufflebeem (1975-1979: Detroit Lions), Ed Simmons (1987-1997: Washington Redskins), John Booty (1988-1995: New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Phoenix Cardinals, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Calvin Snowden (1969-1973: St. Louis Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers), Ken Jenkins (1983-1986: Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins), and Brig Owens (1966-1977: Washington Redskins).

With Touchdown for Homes, a charitable outreach program of the National Association of Home Builders and the NFL Players Association, home builders and former NFL players are teaming up around the country to build or renovate homes for children or families in need and veterans.

"NAHB's home builder members are honored to partner with former NFL players to provide children, families and veterans with safe, comfortable housing opportunities," said Jerry Howard, NAHB's president and CEO. "Even though the home building industry has been devastated by the economic downturn, our commitment to community philanthropy remains as strong as ever."

Former NFL player Ken Jenkins carries material during a renovation of a section of St. Ann’s Infant & Maternity Home in Hyattsville, Md., that was a community service project of the Maryland-National Capital Building Industry Association and the Washington D.C. NFL former players’ chapter.

"Giving back to the communities that gave them so much support during their playing careers is a primary objective of our former player chapters," said DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFLPA. "Working together as a team with local home builders to make a significant and lasting contribution to these communities is an incredibly rewarding experience."

The projects are being conducted in communities that have former NFL players chapters and NAHB-affiliated local home builders' associations with community outreach programs. Recently completed projects include renovating a section of the St. Ann's Infant and Maternity home in Washington, D.C., updating the AMIKids Infinity School in Chicago, and repairing a transitional home for homeless families for the Decatur Cooperative Ministry near Atlanta.

In Dallas, former NFL players including six-time Pro Bowl player Isiah Robertson and five-time Pro Bowl player Jerry Norton helped build a home for an elderly woman and her family in November, just in time for the holidays. It is the 13th home constructed through the efforts of the Dallas former NFL players chapter, which was the inspiration for the nationwide Touchdown for Homes program.

Former NFL player Fred Banks prunes shrubbery as a volunteer during HomeAid Care Day in Decatur for the Decatur Cooperative Ministry as part of the Touchdown for Homes program.

Home building industry companies including Lowe's, Mohawk Flooring and Mid-South Building Supply donated materials and volunteer workers to some of the projects, which range in value from $1,000 to nearly $100,000.

For 2012, the groups in Washington, D.C. and Chicago are working on new projects focused on providing homes for wounded or homeless veterans. Other Touchdown for Homes projects are in the planning stages for 2012 in communities including Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Knoxville, Tenn.

For more information on Touchdown for Homes, go to www.nahb.org/touchdownforhomes.